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Star 97.5

W

weather

Guest
It looks like 97.5 is back on the air with a format of standards from old and new artists-kind of like Red 104.1 in St. Louis. How is that format doing in St. Louis? How does anyone think it will do here. I don't really understand, why they would do this format-but I guess they have done the research. It just seems like it would skew pretty old???
 
I'm pleased they didn't do one of three or four overdone formats. I believe you'll be surprised by how well it does.
I just hope they aren't going to be strictly automated all the time. First off, I don't like the sound of the woman doing the liners. Personal taste thing, and no offense intended. I'd rather hear personalities tell me about the music than generic, automated slogans.
As for skewing older, good point. But the idea that older folks aren't open to new products is absurd, just like the old idea that people wouldn't tolerate hearing more than one song by a woman consecutively. It's nonsense.
 
> I'm pleased they didn't do one of three or four overdone
> formats. I believe you'll be surprised by how well it does.
>
> I just hope they aren't going to be strictly automated all
> the time. First off, I don't like the sound of the woman
> doing the liners. Personal taste thing, and no offense
> intended. I'd rather hear personalities tell me about the
> music than generic, automated slogans.
> As for skewing older, good point. But the idea that older
> folks aren't open to new products is absurd, just like the
> old idea that people wouldn't tolerate hearing more than one
> song by a woman consecutively. It's nonsense.
>
I agree, it's refreshing to hear something that hasn't been on the air in Phoenix. It's not for me, but I'm sure there is a pretty sizeable 35+ audience that will.

It's not that older folks aren't open to new product, it's the marketing mentality that the only people with buying power are 25-54. Apparently, once you're outside of that demo, you become destitute, unhip and a curmudgeon that couldn't possibly be persuaded to try something different.

As the US population continues to skew older, it will be interesting to see how long the golden 25-54 holds out.

For now, I predict this to be a typical stop set on Star 97.5:

1. Dirtbag, Scumbag & Shyster - Estate & Probate Law
2. Beltone Hearing Aid Center
3. Fred Astaire Dance World
4. Sun Health
5. Liberty Buick
6. Golf Cart World
7. Humana
8. Fifth/Third Bank (By the way, what the hell kind of name is that? Why not just call it One and Two Thirds Bank?)
9. The Sansabelt Outlet
10. Nevada Bob's Golf

People are living longer and living younger. In my absolutely worthless opinion, until the corporate advertising world realizes that, people over 50 will continue to be avoided by the mainstream.
 
I think this format could skew younger than people are expecting. I agree w/ Multiplex, it is nice to see that the smaller signals in this city do exactly what they should be doing: air niche formats.

As far as Red in St. Louis, they show up in the 1 range 12+.
 
>>> the smaller signals in this city...

Just to fill in some reception info for 97.5 ---
In the Chino Valley area of Yavapai county, their signal is listenable but fringe, certainly. What is their quality of reception in the Metro area?

Months ago, from the previous 97.5 transmitter site, it was a fine medium strength signal here. I am sure the present owners are much more interested in the big bucks of the Metropolis.
 
While it's good to hear variety, it just makes sense for newer stations to try to carve new niches. Why try to beat Clear Channel or Emmis at a format they may be able to plunge millions into, if you can build something unique that'll attract its own loyal audience?
The only downside is if your signal is small enough, (93.7 in Wickenburg comes to mind from the early 90s), the big boys can put your idea on a bigger stick, and you're done. (I'm told the 93.7 briefly went alternative before 106.3 beat them at their own game.)
But KVIB and KRZS have big Phoenix signals, so it's really prudent to stand out from the crowd, because listeners will be less likely to be lured away by a bigger signal.
 
Gee, I hope you don't meet up with a genie. You'd really waste valuable wishes.
Stars, Magics, Mixes, Lites, Jacks, they're all pretty easy to come by.

> >
ht> tp://www.radio-info.com/mods/board?Post=526775&Board=phoenix
>
>
> I ASK.
>
> I SHALL RECEIVE.
>
>
> I HAD EXPECTED 98.7 TO USE THE STAR MONIKER FOR THE K-LITE
> FLIP; AS L.A. TRANSPLANTS WOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH STAR 98.7
> AND IT'S REPETITION.
>
 
STAR 97five OPS NEWS

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005


Novel 'Star' Format In Phoenix;
Trumper GM, Minckler PD


Former KKCW (K103) and KKSN/Portland, OR programmer Bill Minckler has been tapped for PD duties at The New Star 97.5, launched today on Trumper Communications' KRZS/Phoenix. Trumper CEO Jeff Trumper will serve as GM, while former KEDJ & KGME/Phoenix Sales Manager Jim Ryan moves into a similar role at KRZS. New Standards Communications' Chuck Hillier and Rob Reynolds are on board as consultants.

The New Star 97.5's format features a blend of pop, jazz, swing, blues and standards, with current tracks from artists like Carly Simon, Rod Stewart, Michael Buble, Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr., Steve Tyrell, Peter Cincotti and Norah Jones, as well as favorites from Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles and contemporary artists like Van Morrison, Aaron Neville, Gavin DeGraw and Elton John. The target, says Trumper, will be the "affluent 35+ listener."
 
Re: STAR 97five OPS NEWS

> Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005
>
>
> Novel 'Star' Format In Phoenix;
> Trumper GM, Minckler PD
>
>
> Former KKCW (K103) and KKSN/Portland, OR programmer Bill
> Minckler has been tapped for PD duties at The New Star 97.5,
> launched today on Trumper Communications' KRZS/Phoenix.
> Trumper CEO Jeff Trumper will serve as GM, while former KEDJ
> & KGME/Phoenix Sales Manager Jim Ryan moves into a similar
> role at KRZS. New Standards Communications' Chuck Hillier
> and Rob Reynolds are on board as consultants.
>
> The New Star 97.5's format features a blend of pop, jazz,
> swing, blues and standards, with current tracks from artists
> like Carly Simon, Rod Stewart, Michael Buble, Diana Krall,
> Harry Connick Jr., Steve Tyrell, Peter Cincotti and Norah
> Jones, as well as favorites from Tony Bennett, Frank
> Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles and contemporary
> artists like Van Morrison, Aaron Neville, Gavin DeGraw and
> Elton John. The target, says Trumper, will be the "affluent
> 35+ listener."

I'll give it a listen (if I can hear it in Ahwahtukee) but judging by the description they're targeting KOY and the 55+ listener, not 35+.

Not much advertising money there even if the listeners are more affluent.
 
Re: So, What do we call this new format?

This is a very interesting format, with blues, jazz, pop, standards and swing. I don't know that we've seen a format like this on FM in a major US city. What is it supposed to be called?
 
Re: So, What do we call this new format?

> This is a very interesting format, with blues, jazz, pop,
> standards and swing. I don't know that we've seen a format
> like this on FM in a major US city. What is it supposed to
> be called?

I think my guess was correct.

Judging by what I heard during my 20-minute drive home, I'd call it::
"Nursing Home Ninety Seven-Five"
"Soothing Sounds for Senior Citizens"
"Music to Drink Geritol By"

Or, if they need a one-word "brand:" Gramps.

This is strictly 65+ stuff, at least what I heard today. Deja vu KOY all over again. My almost-80-year-old mother would like it but I won't be setting a button for it. Not that this style of music is of bad quality, but if they think they're going for the 35-65 age group, they are smoking something of questionable legality.

If this is what theyll be running full-time, I give it 6 months unless changes are made. Who other than Depends, funeral homes, Viagra, and Geritol will advertise on this station?

Good signal in my car into Ahwahtukee, though.
 
Sass, brass and a touch of class! We're Star 97-5

I heard a liner on the station by that cheesy sounding female...get this:

"Sass, brass and a touch of class ... STAR 97.5"

OMIGOD! I almost puked

Now, who is their demo? My dear long-departed grandmother was the last person I actually heard use the word "sass" until yesterday.

I'm not crapping on the format, it is different and they're at least trying to fill a niche, a very hard to sell niche nonetheless.

This station will be the number one preset in every Buick in the Northwest Valley (Sun City, SC West, SC Grand, Happy Trails, Westbrook Village etc.)

The large transient population in the station's city grade signal area will make a fair showing in Arbitron difficult. April-October will also be very difficult months for direct business.

I sincerely wish them success.

Star 97.5 does make me feel like I'm at The Tropicana or Club Babalu with Ricky Ricardo. SASSY...BRASSY...CLASSY INDEED!!!
 
So are you and "Chill" the Doublem--, er,
caps lock twins?
 
Re: So, What do we call this new format?

Guess their demos are older than KT'R at
6:38am weekdays (and the Giant 580 at
11:00am Saturdays).
 
Re: So, What do we call this new format?

Well, I have the privilege of spending the next year-and-a-half in the coveted 25-54 demo, and then I apparently disappear into thin air. I'VE set a car radio button for it, and I actually ENJOYED my crappy drive home on the 101 Pima tonight...SMILING most of the way! My car felt like a lounge...the only things missing were the cigarette smoke and a gin 'n' tonic...

It may not be your cup of tea (or champagne), but it IS a unique sound to this territory. I'm very familiar with the PD's work in my hometown of Portland. He's VERY good, has a successful track record, and knows what he's doing...

A difficult sell? Only because today's young media buyers have a difficult time understanding "seasoned" demos with more experience. That's where the station's sales force comes in for basic buyer education. Yeah, I've heard the arguments that older demos are set in their ways, or have little disposable income. Please spare me THAT discussion...

Radio has forgotten how to be creative. (You've noticed the dull cookie-cutter formats in the last 10 years or so, right?) Why not think out-of-the-box for a change? This format is targeted to listeners THIRTY-FIVE plus (Yes, that's 35+)... It's going to be a fun time in the lounge!

How about a martini? (Cue for any Dean Martin song with a swing arrangement...)
 
Re: So, What do we call this new format?

I LIKE IT.

MANY OF MY 35 & YOUNGER FRIENDS LOVE IT.

LOUNGE MUSIC IS THE FUTURE.

CHILL IS THE FUTURE.

A COUPLE MONTHS BACK I MADE A POST REGARDING SWING, JAZZ & BIG BAND ON THE FM.

I GOT THE TYPICAL RESPONSE OF, "IT'LL NEVER WORK... BLAH BLAH BLAH".

THERE IS NO FUTURE VISION LEFT IN RADIO MANAGEMENT.

PEOPLE WANT A STATION TO USE AS AMBIANCE FOR THEIR LOUNGIN LIFESTYLE.

THEY DON'T WANT OBNOXIOUS DJS.

THEY DON'T CARE WHAT BECKY IN GLENDALE IS DOING ON A FRIDAY NIGHT.

THEY DON'T WANT TO HEAR SOMEBODY ELSE PLAYING BATTLE OF THE SEXES.

THEY DON'T WANT TO HEAR THE SAME ARTIST HOUR AFTER HOUR IN POWER ROTATION.

IMO

I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SO MANY OF YOU ON THIS BOARD IS SO AGAINST ANYTHING NEW ON THE RADIO. ?? WHAT WOULD YOU RATHER HEAR ON 97.5 ? ...ANOTHER CROSSOVER FORMAT ?
 
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